Spending less on gifts-Should we explain?

Andrewsgal · December 2009

We still have DH's family (step-mom, Dad, mom and sister, and stepsisters) to buy Christmas presents for. We just found out DH's company is being bought out and we are not sure of the future of his job. I am tighting our belts big time right now and want to spend less than usual. We ususally spend about $75 for each of them I am thinking more like $25. Do you think we need to explain what is going on or just buy the gifts and they should be grateful?

katie277s · December 2009

I don't think you need to explain, but it would be okay if you did.

suzymarie · December 2009

We have gone through this a few times with DH being laid off. In all cases, the family memebers in question knew DH was laid off, and most of them told us we shouldn't buy them anything for xmas! The others, we just mentioned offhand that we were downsizing xmas this year due to the job situation, but didn't specifically mention that they would be getting a smaller gift.